Does my pet really need a dentist?
Absolutely! Just like humans, dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall wellbeing. Dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by our veterinarians to identify any potential problems and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. This is generally done when your pet is already visiting us for their annual vaccinations and exam. However, some pets may become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pet’s behavior should prompt a visit to one of our veterinarians.
What exactly can you do for my pet’s teeth?
Veterinary dentistry includes cleaning, polishing, and/or extraction of your pets' teeth and all other aspects of oral health care. At DRVC, we will perform radiographs (x-rays) to evaluate the health of the jaw and the tooth roots below the gum line. Because most dental disease occurs below the gum line, where you can’t see it, a thorough dental cleaning and evaluation are performed under anesthesia. Dental cleaning includes scaling (to remove dental plaque and tartar) and polishing, similar to the process used on your own teeth during your regular dental cleanings.
Have your pet’s teeth checked sooner if you observe any of the following problems:
- Bad breath
- Broken or loose teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Pain in or around the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
Periodontal disease… What is it?
Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats – by the time your pet is 3 years old, he or she will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which will worsen as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures aren’t taken. Early detection and treatment are critical, because advanced periodontal disease can cause severe problems and pain for your pet. Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. Other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes.
It starts with plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar above the gum line can often easily be seen and removed, but plaque and tartar below the gum line is damaging and sets the stage for infection and damage to the jawbone and the tissues that connect the tooth to the jaw bone. Periodontal disease is graded on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).
What can I do?
Home dental care should be a daily part of each animal’s life. The commitment to time, energy, and resources from the owner will directly impact the quality of their animal’s life. Home dental care should begin between 8 and 12 weeks of age. Brushing is not critical until the adult teeth erupt, but starting early allows the animal to become accustomed to the procedure during an impressionable period of development. Brushing daily is ideal, but a minimum of three times a week would be sufficient. There are also a variety of dental treats our veterinarians can recommend to help with your pet’s dental care between cleanings.
